Brain Tumor
Brain cancer occurs when cells within the skull grow and multiply uncontrollably. Abnormally growing cells in brain tissue form a mass or tumor and begin to exert pressure on the skull, which is a hard structure. This can lead to increased intracranial pressure, creating an environment for various neurological and epileptic disorders.
Although brain tumors are not very common, it is predicted that the number of cases will increase as the world population ages. Therefore, it is recommended that individuals with this condition consult the Neurology and Neurosurgery departments, as early diagnosis can help prevent the disease.
What Are the Types of Brain Tumors?
In childhood, brain tumors are more commonly located in the posterior fossa, and tumors that metastasize from other organs are rarely encountered. As age increases, the structure of the tumor also changes. In adults, brain tumors can be attached to brain tissue or occur in the meninges, and metastases from cancers in other organs to the brain can also be observed.
There are many types of brain tumors, but they are primarily divided into two groups.
Primary Brain Tumor
Also known as a primary brain tumor, this type can originate from the brain tissue itself, as well as from the nerves, membranes, skull bone, or muscle tissue surrounding the skull. It is further divided into groups.
Benign Brain Tumor
Benign brain tumors, known as benign brain tumors, grow very slowly. They can be easily distinguished as they do not originate from brain cells and can be removed surgically. However, benign tumors that are not surgically removed can grow, exert pressure on the brain, and eventually turn into malignant tumors over time.
Malignant Brain Tumor
Also known as malignant brain tumors, these tumors grow rapidly. Since they form among brain cells, they are intertwined with brain tissue, making surgical removal more difficult. Surgical intervention can lead to losses in brain functions.
Secondary Brain Tumor
Also known as a secondary brain tumor, it occurs when cancerous cells from tissues such as the lungs, breast, or prostate spread to the brain through the bloodstream (metastasis). The treatment method varies depending on the location of the tumor and the associated risk factors.
What Causes Brain Tumors?
The exact cause of brain tumors is not fully known, but there are some risk factors.
Family History
Generally, 5% to 10% of all cancers arise due to genetic reasons. Heredity is a risk factor in the formation of brain tumors. Therefore, individuals with a family history of brain tumors are advised to have regular medical check-ups.
Age
Research has shown that the risk of brain tumors increases with age.
Race
The incidence of brain tumors is higher in white races compared to other races.
Radiation
Exposure to ionizing radiation increases the risk of developing brain tumors. Those who have undergone radiation therapy for cancer, as well as individuals exposed to radioactive fallout from nuclear disasters such as Fukushima and Chernobyl, fall into this risk group.
Metastasis
Cancerous cells that develop in other parts of the body can also spread to the brain and cause tumor formation.
The types of cancer most likely to metastasize include:
- Lung cancer
- Breast cancer
- Kidney cancer
- Bladder cancer
- A type of skin cancer known as Melanoma
What Are the Symptoms of Brain Tumors?
The symptoms of brain tumors vary depending on the size and location of the tumor. These include:
- Headaches that worsen especially in the mornings
- Nausea
- Vomiting
- Loss of balance
- Difficulty walking
- Temporary memory loss
- Difficulty speaking
- Vision loss
- Personality changes
- Abnormal eye movements
- Muscle twitching
- Unexplained fainting
- Fatigue
- Tingling in hands and legs
- Seizures
How Are Brain Tumors Diagnosed?
Early diagnosis is crucial in brain tumors. A patient presenting with one or more of the symptoms mentioned above is first evaluated through a neurological examination. Various body functions that may be associated with brain tumor formation are examined through this neurological examination. These include:
- Coordination of arms and legs
- Muscle strength
- Reflexes
- Hearing
- Vision
- Skin sensitivity
- Balance
- Memory
- Intelligence
After the neurological examination, one or more tests such as Computed Tomography (CT), Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI), Angiography, or cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) analysis are utilized. This allows for a more detailed observation of the tumor’s presence, size, and location. Additionally, a brain biopsy (sampling of brain tissue) may be performed to clarify the diagnosis or determine whether the tumor is benign or malignant.
How Are Brain Tumors Treated?
After determining the location, size, and type of the tumor in detail, the patient’s age and overall health status are also considered to decide on the most appropriate treatment method. Generally, there are three main methods in the treatment of brain tumors.
Surgical Treatment
This is the most preferred method for benign brain tumors. It is possible to completely remove these tumors through surgical intervention. However, in some cases, it may be difficult to remove malignant brain tumors surgically, necessitating different treatments for tumors that cannot be completely removed. For cancerous cells that spread to the brain through metastasis, treatment is applied according to the type of the original cancer.
Radiotherapy
In cases where deemed necessary, radiotherapy is usually applied one month after surgical treatment. The aim of radiotherapy is to kill tumor cells or slow their growth by delivering protons, gamma, or x-rays to the diseased area. The number of radiotherapy sessions may vary depending on the type of tumor, the patient’s age, overall health status, and neurological findings.
Chemotherapy
Chemotherapy aims to eliminate the tumor with special drugs. Medications administered orally or intravenously reach the tissues through the bloodstream. Although it is generally preferred in the treatment of malignant tumors, chemotherapy can also be beneficial in the treatment of benign tumors located in the pituitary gland.
